Mango coming from Microsoft..are you likely to bite?

Mango is the code name for the next version of Windows Phone 7, launched today by Microsoft. It will ship in the fall likely as Windows Phone 7.5, a free upgrade for current users or on new yet to be announced Nokia built smartphones.

After a rocky start with lackluster sales and a biotched first update Microsoft has a long hill to climb to become a player in the mobile arena.

In order to differentiate itself from the likes of Apple and Google, Microsoft Mobile Products President Andy Lees said the company is pursuing a strategy that seeks to integrate mobile applications with the operating system.

The new software emphasizes tight integration with Facebook — Microsoft is a minority owner of the social network — Bing, Redmond’s search engine, and Skype, the web-telephony pioneer Microsoft recently purchased for $8.5 billion.

“Think of your applications as musical instruments,” Lees said. “With Mango, they finally become part of an orchestra, with a conductor. With Windows Phone 7, applications are alive as part of the total experience.”

Watch for more Microsoft created buzz leading up to the delivery of this update in the fall..it starts with this video.

So will this be enough to turn Microsoft into a competitor in the Mobile marketplace? let me know, add your comments below.

Bob Benedetti

Former RCAF Fighter Pilot Bob worked for CTV Montreal as a Reporter, Producer and Executive producer for 35 years retiring in 2004. Bob started reporting on personal technology in 1995 at CTV and continues today at Home Technology Montreal